Its now 2023 and I am just now buying a G90. Have a laptop in hand. Perhaps things have changed a bit over the last few years but betting your video is still the best starting point even now. I bet it has aged well.
I ordered a G90 yesterday from Radioddity on a Black Friday special. It was 399.00 for the radio, the CE19 breakout and the fan/stand. I will coming back here to set it up for digital when it comes in.
Just got my G90. Setup was flawless just as you instructed. This thing started picking up js8call right in my living room with the antenna still in the house. Dont really care for using voice since I am a developer. Your videos on the G90 and using digital modes are the best in class. Thank you!
I watch way too much ham radio CZcams but I think I can speak for many that your videos to promote QRP and field ops are the best by far. Can you give us some more info about the G90 field set-up shown in this video, the battery pack you're using with the Powerfilm, the display/keyboard, and what was the Molle case you are using with the G90. A sincere thanks for always being so clear, concise and informative.
I'm about to get my General ticket to do off-grid HF comms. Your videos have not only being entertaining but have led me the entire way for deciding just about every part of the equipment, software, accessories and antennas. Great job OH8STN, much appreciated!
Thank you for this. I have been using a G90 for a while now, it's my first HF rig. I have been able to get digital modes working, but was having issues with the cat cable disconnecting I'm guessing from stray rf. I never considered VOX, but after giving it a try I was able to make more digital contacts in one night than the entire time I've had my radio.
I kept my IC 7200 for basically this same purpose and for portable-camp ops. But, I do like the looks of the unit in your presentation. I'm always impressed with your thought process related to the overall system, not just the individual items. You see the big picture !
Thanks for saying this. Yeah the big picture has to be taken into account, or we ultimately fail to create an easy to use "integrated system", for power and Communications. It's not always easy, but it does give us a direction to shoot for, when we're designing the system we want to field. Anyway thanks for the awesome comment and feedback. It's very much appreciated.
I finally setup the G90 with the CE-19 with help from this video. I wasn’t expecting VOX to work so easily. I got FT8 and WSPR spots on 5w, mag loop inside the house for testing. Thank you very much.
Your reviews and operating tips are ALWAYS appreciated. My own G90 is en route and am looking forward to operating portable. My choosing this radio was close to your reason. I have a QRO radio and a QRP set. This is something in the middle, the extra power will help with SOTA activations and Parks on the Air both of which I enjoy when its not 40 C here on the east coast of VA. -73- and thank you for the investment in time.
Well. As a new owner of the g 90 i must say thankyou for this video. You cleared up a lot of questions i haf about dig. Modes and i find your explanations to be something i can actually comprehend.keep up the good work and once again thanks
Such a useful video. It would be wonderful if you could spare the time to make an updated version still using the Xiegu G90 and Raspberry Pi but with the XGGComms Digimode-4 interface, especially now that G90 can be configured in Flrig. Thanks for such valuable material.
I have two Xiegu's the G90 and the G1M that I use with JS8call. I suggest that you turn off polling of all the commands which the G90 does not share with the IC7100. If you look at the debug log, you'll see a ton of time out errors. Also, I've been watching FT8 people talk and they say to use split mode in "fake it". I'm not I understand complete, but I suppose it's more linear. For that you'll need the CAT. I use the EasyDigi isolation board for the G1M and DigiRig for G90. I'm confused about ALC. I'm glad you mentioned it to be inverted from normal.
Congratulations. You'll have a blast with this radio. If you've had other radios like Yaesu, ... it takes a quick minute to get used to. Once you do though, especially learning to operate the filters, you'll have a blast with it
@@OH8STN Thanks! Yeah, it was actually a tough decision between the ic-7300 and this, but my interests (at the moment) are QRP, SOTA, and off-grid, so having the extra 15 watts hopefully will help me make some QSOs, while saving some money compared to the elecraft (for QRP) or icom (shack radio)
Really useful video. I used this info and my first FT8 contact on my G90 was a station 1200+ km away in Italy. FLRig seems more stable for me than OmniRig 2. Thank you.
Thank you Julian from KI5SOH!! I have the Xiegu G90, the CE-19 thingie and I cobbled together the three 3.5mm jacks with bare ends into a "AF-CON" cable that plugs directly into the 3.5mm headphone jack and the 3.5mm microphone jack on my laptop running Linux Ubuntu 20.04. I had to upgrade from Ubuntu 18.04 to 20.04 in order to install WSJT-X 2.5.4. By adjusting the Microphone level in Ubuntu upper right control bar, I can get the input level just right and get this beautiful water fall display and stations are just pouring into the list of "Band Activity". In WSJT-X, I have the radio set to "none" and the PTT method is "VOX". I have the radio set to VOX and set the input and output audio levels as you explained in the tutorial. I also set the input from "mike" to "line". BUT, when I click on "TUNE" button on WSJT-X, the CPU usage goes to 100% and the waterfall display stops. I click on "Exit" and it appears to exit, but when I check in a terminal via the "top" command, it is still there hogging 100% CPU. So I have to kill the process "wsjtx" to stop it. Just to check for audio output from the laptop, I put my earbuds in the headphone port and did not hear anything when I clicked on "TUNE". Likewise, the G90 did not respond in any way to "TUNE" as expected since WSJT-X crashes before any audio comes out. Any hints?! Thanks! Zac
That's a real bummer. It's a good audio interface. Hopefully it's possible to get one when the restrictions are lifted. Anyway, sorry to hear about it.
Another GREAT video Julian. I was so glad to see your interface methods to the G90 for data modes. Just wish there was a way to interface without the ZLP-size box. But I understand that without an internal digital audio card in the G90, it has to exist outside. With the delays of the IC-705, I may consider purchasing a G90 or mcHF just so I can have a small portable digital station. Thanks again for such informative videos. 73, Terry W4ZQ
Much appreciated. Even with some of the quirks, I still think it's a fun radio. Enjoy and please let us know how it works out for you. 73 Julian oh8stn
Thanks for the video. I didn't get the CE-19 since I had a Sabrent USB sound card dongle, a M/M 3.5mm plug audio cable, a clamp-on ferrite choke and a couple capacitors. Just purchased the 8 pin mini-DIN plug. Just got to sit down long enough to put it all together with solder and heat shrink tubing.
Ecellent video, lots of good info. For man portable digital operations the X90 looks like a winner. The cost is perhaps the most attractive feature, but all things considered it really holds its own compared to more expensive rigs.
I have been drooling over this radio since your first video. I pulled the trigger this morning. When comparing the G90 and the Icom 705, what do you prefer?
Hi Julian. Excellent video, once again. I received my G90 yesterday and are struggling to get it to work on the ACC connector connected to a SignaLink USB sound card. I've got the Xiegu CE-19 Expansion bord, but like you said, no use going portable with so many cables. I cut the 8-pin mini DIN cable that came with the CE-19 to make my own SignaLink to G90 ACC port cable. - Signalink SPK to G90 ACC pin 4 - Signalink MIC to G90 ACC pin 5 - Signalink PTT to G90 ACC pin 2 (if not using VOX on G90) - Signalink G to G90 ACC pin 7 Issue 1 - PTT/TX does not trigger on G90. Not on VOX mode (line input selected) and not via die Signalink PPT as explained above. Issue 2 - When doing the PTT on the remote myself to avoid Issue #1 above, the ALC stays on 0 on the G90. Seems like no audio in is reaching the G90. I did play around with all levels on the Signalink and G90 to test. Wiring headphones to the SignaLink MIC & G pins, does give me audio, so no issue on the SignaLink side it seems. In a nutshell, I can RX, but not TX digitally. Hopefully someone can point me in the right direction. Riaan ZS6MAN
Make sure you have "Line" selected on the G90, rather than MIC. Make sure you have selected mono for the input and outputs in your data mode app, audio interface setup. Also the signalink requires a special jumper, so you may need to reach out to their support for that. Lots of signalinks in use with this radio, so it should be possible to get it working.
@@OH8STN Thanks for the reply. My problem was actually much simpler than that. I had the 8-pin DIN pinout on my cable wrong. Looked at the female schematic (numbered bottom left to top right) when it's actually a male connector (numbered bottom right to top left). Feeling stupid, but got everything working, thanks!
Actually this is an excellent post and I hope you won't delete it. I would never have imagined that would have been the problem. So hopefully, if you leave this comment here others will make use of it. I'm really happy you figured it out. 👍👍👍
I am only getting 7-10w out, followed your settings, swr is 1.2. MIniProSC here as well. ALC is at 99. Using Fldigi on Contestia 4/250. With JS8Call looks like what you are getting. Edit. Sound volume on laptop. Solved it...lol. Great videos, Julian!
Been rewatching this to setup my G90 for digital. I have yet to make up the cables for connecting the audio from my laptop to my G90. Was hoping for info on the wiring of the audio cables.
Top information ..run vt ..:-)cant wait to get one .. thanks for keeping me up to speed on something I know nothing about until I started watching your videos very informative easy to understand great work brother keep it up see you on the airwaves soon
Great video. Do you find the PTT is slow to respond when using WSJT-X and FT8? I have the CE-19 but I've not used it yet with my Xiegu radios, but some friends told me it didn't work very well due to transmit lag between the software and the radio. Perhaps the VOX setting that you described will solve this...
From my testing, I discovered the ptt lag is caused by using the wrong radio in Hamlib or flrig. I had a very similar problem initially. When I switched over to the Icom IC 7100 or 756 Pro oh, I didn't have this lag anymore. Your second point is also correct. I use the Box because it's faster, and more reliable if your levels are set up correctly.
Thanks for this video! After looking closely at what it is, I don't want to use that CE-19 adapter. I appreciate it, but mostly for the parts that kit gives you which frankly, I could have sourced elsewhere. I want to have it all with one USB cable, so right now I'm cobbling together a USB hub to plug the USB sound device and G90 data cable into so I also have a CAT control option. My plan is to strip all of the connectors and cases from the devices, direct-wiring all of the components to minimize the size and build it all into a compact adapter that can live in the "luggable" case system (go box?) that I've built for my G90. One box with USB, DIN and 3.5mm connector cables to rule them all... I have a low power/high run time PC that should be fine for digital modes, but it only has 2 USB ports and I don't want to use them both. I have the hub and sound device stripped and wired, but have been dragging my feet on stripping the Xiegu adapter and finishing the wiring. An Altoids tin was my first choice of enclosures, but I'm staying open to alternatives... 73 de N2NLQ
Actually I think this is a brilliant idea. If you could fit the cat control audio adapter and hub inside an avoids tin, you could have two short wires coming out to the radio, and one USB cable going to your laptop or tablet. I'll probably do this myself but I have so many little projects yet undone oh, I don't know when I'm going to get to it.
@@OH8STN Thank you. You honor me. I'm staying open to other enclosures simply because the Altoids tin is a bit too large for the purpose when I test-fit the components. I have a feeling that the solution is closer than I think it is, and will share when I find it. I know I can get help with a printed enclosure, but I enjoy the challenge and reward of re-purposing stuff.
outstanding video... I am new to the hobby... the G90 is one of 2 HF rigs that i have but the G90 I am developing into portable station.... currently working on completing my Pi4 and ..... getting my general...... I am working backwards
Thanks for sharing your knowledge Julian. I just ordered the MiniproSC and the cable for the Xiegu G90. Is the short cable you have in the video the same one I will recieve or is your cable a custom shorty? I would really hope it's a short cable like yours, but if yours is custom, can you share the source? Thanks!
Thanks for the kindness. It was the Maxpedition large water bottle Molle compatible pouch. I added a piece of Plexi to protect the screen and some panning around the inner wall, to protect the radio. Works like a champ.
Great video but I need help with the CE-19, can you talk/show how you soldered up the jack plugs, which colour goes where sort of thing? I don't want to mess things up by soldering the wrong colour to the wrong plug section. Many thanks and keep safe
if you use the CE-19, one method to connect your PC's sound card with two jack (mic/spkr) is to build a 'Y' cable using the bare-end stereo cables included with the interface. The cable consists of leads from your computer's soundcard spkr and mic jack to a single AFCON 3-pole (stereo) 3.5 plug into the CE-19; take two bare end leads and wire the GND leads together, then solder to the GND on the bare 3-pole plug included with the CE-19 going into the AFCON port; then wire the spk leads together from one cable, and solder them to the tip of the stereo plug; finally, wire the mic leads together, then solder them to the ring of the stereo plug - that's all there is to it... another method is to use a USB sound card dongle with a single jack - you can then simply run a 3.5mm stereo (3 pole) patch cable from the dongle's jack into the AFCON port on the CE-19 - no soldering!
Excuse my ignorance on this, but how do I figure out which wire is which? Do I have to get a multimeter and basically mirror the AFCON diagram on the on both ends? i.e. AF OUT on the tip of the jack and mirror that on the other end? - Also, I'm assuming this approach assumes you have a line-in port that support microphone input and audio output (much like a pair of headphones with an in-line mic) ??
Thank you for the video! I am fairly new to amateur radio and very new to HF. I bought the G90 as my first HF rig. I bought the CE-19 too. Quick question, how did you wire the audio input/output to make it a splitter cable?
You make a big point that the CE19 requires more cables than the MiniProSc. Granted, the length of the cables provided with the CE19 are much longer out of the box than the custom cable you show with the MiniProSc but that can be significantly reduced when making the cable. The total number of cables is the same. One from the radio to the CE19 or MiniProSc and one cable from the CE19 to the inputs on the computer audio input/output or USB sound card and one from the MiniProSc to the computer USB. Basically there is one in/one out either way. I am confused as to what role the cable used for programming plays. Does it replace the CE19 or MiniProSc or is it used in conjunction? If used in conjunction the, how does it enhance operation. Obviously you can operate without it.
Honestly the Ce19 is trash unless it's used to interface the rig with an amplifier or something. Take a look at my blog on this topic. oh8stn.org/blog/2020/12/14/xiegu-g90-winlink-express/
Julian, I really like your videos. How do you handle, or should I say what program do you use for logging your qsos. For my Xeigu when I am not at home, I use N1MM, for logging and rig control. I have repeatedly tried to download FLRIG, but my Windows computer doesn't seem to want me to download it from W1HKJ. I have tried numerous times, but to no avail. N1MM for CW and non-digital qsos works just fine but won't support any of the digital modes. At the home station, I use HRD - no problem, just don't use Xeigu, but in some instances like 60mtrs and 80mtrs, the Xeigu's tuner can handle my two wire antennas, better than my LDG tuner. Also, HRD does not support the Xeigu for now, hope eventually that will change - so use N1MM for uploading qsos to eQsl. Your reply is appreciated. Kevin, KD8IE.
Its a hybrid. Chameleon UCM base, 2x Super Antenna ER1 extensions, Super Antenna MP1, and Chameleon MIL whip up top. It's a near lossless 1/4 wave vertical in this configuration.
@@OH8STN Back to the radio itself,...so if I were waffling back/forth about a rig for portable digital ops, and looking at pros/cons of G90 vs FT-891, tell me if I've got it right: while their physical layouts are different, (G90 is "long"), their basic footprint would be about the same; G90 has built in tuner, but FT-891 is 100w; both require an external soundcard. If I've got all of that correct, then it seems like a lot of the question boils down to what I would use for an antenna, as antennas that are resonate on the frequencies I want to work would mean no need for a tuner. Correct? Thanks!!
I'm not sure if that's the way to look at it or not, it might be though. Actually 100 Watts or an antenna tuner. That's really what it boils down to. The next most important aspect is 1 amp or 600 milliamps RX current. I can stay a heck of a lot longer out in the field if I only need to generate 600 milliamps as opposed to an amp. Big difference there. Finally, if ergonomics are important to you, I'd be taking a really hard long look at the 891, which has excellent filter manipulation.
@@OH8STN This is all VERY helpful. I hear what you're saying about 600 ma vs 1amp... If I were doing excursions like yours, staying out for days at a time etc., that would really be important. But my excursions tend to be no more than 1/2 day. Again, this is *extremely* helpful information. Thanks!
Another good video. Did you have to add your user to the dialout group in Linux? That has been a pesky security feature dating back to modem control to keep the phone bills down. If I missed it just tel me. I always appreciate your videos. I hope to go portable next summer. First I am working on the shack at the qth
In some circumstances yes. If I wanted more than five or six Watts out of the eight one seven or eight one eight, I would definitely go for the g90. Don't get me wrong though, I've enjoyed the eight one seven and eight one eight since it first came to the market about 20 years ago. Sometimes however if I want a little bit more power, I don't want to carry an antenna tuner, and I don't want to add a single mechanical filter to the radio, I could have a cheaper radio with all those things built in already, at the expense of VHF and UHF. It's a tough question but if you look it purely in terms of technical requirements, it's an easy choice.
@@OH8STN I'm limited to 10W here in Australia as I only have a foundation licence. Not too worried about more power as I'm more interested in efficient lower power modes anyway but all the other features and the fact the G90 is about 75% of the new cost of an 818 is very enticing. I have 2m/70cm Mobile unit in my shack and HT's so would only be missing SSB uhf/vhf. Thanks for amazingly quick response by the way. Cheers VK3FABY
I happened to be sitting here having a coffee when your comment came in. To be completely honest with you the 6 wants of the 818, is tough. Despite what many people will say, there is a difference between 5 watts in 10 watts. Especially when we're talking about ultra-narrow data modes or CW. The difference is not so apparent with wide bands like winlink or SSB. So if you're not fussed as you said about VHF UHF, definitely go with the g90. You also have to remember with the ft-818 an antenna tuner, and the internal mechanical filter are not included.
@@OH8STN Awesome, thank you for the advice. The G90 sounds like a bit of a no brainer for my particular circumstances/interests. Hope you enjoyed your coffee!
@@OH8STN If you still have the old version I would be interested in what you think and if you have any configuration tips with it . I have one from their first run.
Thanks for these great videos. I have followed this to the letter and yet I am still unable to key the G90 using VOX only. It works fine with CAT. All settings are as you suggest when I try VOX. I am guessing it may be the USB sound device I'm using. Right now I'm stuck with the CE-19 but I am awaiting an XGGComms cable. Hopefully that cable with its built in sound card will get me over the top. It's been somewhat frustrating to date as I have some type of problem, probably stray RF, that's keeping me from running FT8 on 20m. At about 11 seconds the CAT gets disconnected. Reducing power does not help. I have no need to run CAT seeing how the radio is right in front of me, so hope to find a solution. Thanks for your clear and concise instructions! Scott/KC1UA
Thanks for the great videos on the G90. You inspired me to try FT8 and the other digital modes. Maybe you can point me in the right direction. I bought a G90 and the MiniProSC that you used here. I'm using a Windows 10 laptop. But, for the life of me, I cannot get WSJT-X to work. Is there a step by step out there that I can use to configure WSJT-X with my Windows laptop to work with this specific set up? Thanks, Julian. 73 from W5DUI.
Our group wants to find the simplest system to use only JS8CALL for E-Comms within 100 mile radius on 80m NVIS for mountainous terrain. Our goal is a simple system new HAMs can use. As close to plug and play as possible and low cost single purpose system. Is this a good transceiver to build around. Suggestions?
The g90 is not the most perfect radio, but it's a solid performer. What you're asking is relatively easy with a g90. A resonant horizontal wire antenna 1/8 to 1/4 wavelength above ground on 80m. The antenna can be loaded to shorten it up. 1/2 waveldngth dipole with wire reflector underneath. I would suggest using 40 meters during the day and 80 meters at night, which usually works well. You can use relatively low power as well. I've demonstrated this using anywhere from 1 to 10 watts. 15-20 watts is ideal. Excellent question and very welcomed. czcams.com/video/F0TkJJIsY3o/video.html
OH8STN Ham Radio: Thank you for the quick reply. We’re planning to build a compete turn key system for new/non-HAMs to use JS8CALL for E-Comm. Target cost for the entire system: PC/Tablet, Transceiver, interface, power, antenna, & cables is $500. W3HU
After watching this a couple of times it looks like I have two options , the Ce-19 or the digimaster. Correct ? If I choose the digimaster option , what cable do I select ? Icom 7100 or Icom 8 acc. Awesome video btw
ZLP promised to add the G90 cable to his website. I simply sent him an email before I place the order, told him which radio to wire it up for, and he delivered that cable. If you want to use the mini pro SC, just shoot him an email. I used that audio interface because I have several of them around the shack. There are other audio interface options though. The other option is also using the CE19.
OH8STN Ham Radio I just found a 8 pin cable to twin stereo headphone jacks that they say is for ft8 on the G90’s would this work with another USB sound card ,instead of the digimaster or ec-19 ? The problem is the ec-19 is not available on this side of the ocean and the digi master is 4 x the amount of the ce-19 .
You could make that cable yourself. You only need the audio in audio out and ground. Use the Vox for PTT. Anyway the cable you're talkin about sounds like it would work with any USB sound card. If you try and let us know how it goes.
Ended up getting a ec-19 cheap and ordered the USB sound card you featured in the video. One question the cable you showed in the video , the single to dual did that come with the ec-19 and if not what was the pin out for it ?
Thanks for your kind replies. Your constructed cable from the CE-19 to the computer sound card has two 3.5 mm plugs but the CE-19 only has one AF jack. If I use separate cables where does the second cable connect to the CE-19 ?
You did not explain line input filter. Many station uses 240 Hz tone (for example) for FT8, but that does not pass through transmitter. Simply 0 watts out.
Outstanding review! I'm trying to decide between the X5150 and the G90. I am most interested in portability but also the ability to interface with a laptop. Any comments regarding that capability with respect to the X5150? KI5KET
Hi Julian, thanks for this video. Somewhat of a newbie here. Question: Could I use Ham Radio Deluxe for cat control in this scenario if I wanted to? thanks!
Could you elaborate a bit more on why you prefer non-cat control of the rig? (Is it a preference that applies generally, or just to this radio?) I have an ic-7100 and I love the ability to have one wire (single USB) to get audio AND cat control AND gps data to a pi, and this arrangement has proven very reliable and convenient. It seems like some of the newer ALE modes would require cat control, wouldn’t they?
Excellent question. It's only about the g90. There's two reasons really. When operating portable, I don't want that silly cat control cable coming out of the side of the head unit on the radio. It's easy to break it off. Secondly, operating data modes primarily, I'm usually sitting on the frequency and not hopping around all the time. So usually I change bands, not frequency. Finally, cat control for the G90 isn't implemented in hamlib or FLRig, it's a hack at the moment. So I prefer simply not to bother. On the flip side, if I were using a 7300, 7200, mcHF, or any radio which has a single wire interface or data and Cat control, I would definitely be using the cat control all the time. Again excellent question 👍
I noticed that you are using the usb port on the side of the pi to give it power, but in earlier videos you describe using a buck converter exiting the rear of the pi for the sake of cable management, as well as using a sabrent sound card instead of the ZLP. Any reason for going back to the ZLP and usb port for powering the pi? Thanks and take care.
Sometimes when I'm making videos I have different raspberry pies that I use, different laptops that I use oh, so I just used what's easiest for me at that moment. Your question reminds me about continuity and how important it is. I do have different configurations but generally when I'm out in the field for real, I'm usually doing it the way which allows the most freedom and easiest configuration.
Great video. I followed all your recommendations for set up, and have run into a problem. With the CAT cable and mini din connected with the CE19; running flrig and wsjtx/js8, the radio will is connecting and initializing. Then when I send a message or a heartbeat it does not xmit. I get 0 w on the meter. I can xmit 20w no problem with phone, but nothing on digital. HELP!! was able to get a few signals a couple of day ago but today nada.
Select the function button with one press, then press power button until you see input. Select LINE rather than MIC. For data modes line must be selected.
Nice job Julian! I followed this video and got a MiniProSC and connected it to the G90 and ran WSJT-X on the Raspberry Pi 4. I initially set the line audio as suggested, but, noticed that even when I had the Pwr slider on WSJT-X at max I could only see about 4 watts into a dummy load at a 20 watt setting on the G90. Another odd thing was no matter where the Pwr slider was Min to Max, the G90 always showed 100 ALC. I then changed Aux In volume to 15 and the power out went up only to about 11 watts. That is as high as I can get the output to go. It is acting like I just can't get enough audio to drive the G90 (even though the alc always stays at 100 no matter where the settings are at). Would love others thoughts on this. :) Is there a way to adjust the gain of the MiniProSC? tnx, 73, phil KF6IF
Yeah with the zlp I can decode - 25/ -26 regularly. I have decoded -23 with the cheap USB sound card, but usually need to apply slightly tighter filters 2 work stations that low.
@@OH8STN Can the G90 filters be centered over the center of your digital signal (1000 on water fall, for example), and use the bandwidth filter to just be wide enough for your selected mide?
I'm trying to set up WSJT-X on a Pi 3B that is running the 7-inch touch display, but I can't seem to re-size the application screen. Is there a fix for this? The display is 1024x700 resolution.
1024 by 700 should be plenty for wsjt-x. First make sure your Raspberry Pi is outputting 1024 by 700 or as close to it as it can. If that doesn't work you'll have to resize the fonts in wsjt-x itself, while the app is maximized. Give that a try.
Got my G90 working with HDSDR software on computer, but the question is do you need two antennas or just one and the panadaptor just takes whats on radio screen to computer screen.
Tnxs for video just got a new desktop and it doesn't show any comports. Running windows 10. Really give up and ideas. Could use some help. Would like to get G90 but until I get windows 10 to show comports
Gregory look closer. Notice there aren't any wires between my tablet on the picnic table and tablet. For all the incredible things for radios can do, they are still pretty stupid. By integrating the Raspberry Pi with the radio directly, the radio becomes a sort of server. Then we can connect with any device a laptop, tablet, mobile phone, to run data modes on the radio. This is all done wirelessly. When I'm in the field station, I like to set up my radio and its own spot, then relax some place in the tent or perhaps outside the tent enjoying the Sun, using my tablet to connect wirelessly with my radio. That's the point. Does that make sense?
It really depends on the tablet hardware. If you have a micro USB with OTG enabled on your tablet, you will need audio interface between the radio and the tablet. It can be an audio only interface, since cats control is rarely used on Android. Check xggcomms.com I've got a video incoming, exactly on this topic.
Table of contents:
00:00 Intro
00:48 Setup options
01:00 CE-19 Expansion card
02:13 Enabling VOX
03:00 External audio interaces
04:45 Favorite data mode setup
05:05 Radio settings
08:05 CAT/Rig Control FLRig
11:07 Setting up WSJT-X
13:13 Setting up JS8Call
15:34 Setting up FLDigi
17:29 Final thoughts and more
18:03 End screen & sneak-a-peek
G90 Current draw: czcams.com/video/ToXlJVTfoRU/video.html
G90 Walkthrough: czcams.com/video/bCsU14RKoy/video.html
G90 playlist: czcams.com/play/PLKMrdrsNkFA61ybQikT6xGjXNe0H2pj-n.html
Thanks for very informative tutorial 👍
Its now 2023 and I am just now buying a G90. Have a laptop in hand. Perhaps things have changed a bit over the last few years but betting your video is still the best starting point even now. I bet it has aged well.
Could probably use an update. Digirig should be our preferred sudio interface.
I ordered a G90 yesterday from Radioddity on a Black Friday special. It was 399.00 for the radio, the CE19 breakout and the fan/stand. I will coming back here to set it up for digital when it comes in.
Just got my G90. Setup was flawless just as you instructed. This thing started picking up js8call right in my living room with the antenna still in the house. Dont really care for using voice since I am a developer. Your videos on the G90 and using digital modes are the best in class. Thank you!
You're very welcome and thanks for making my day with your comment.
73
Julian oh8stn
I watch way too much ham radio CZcams but I think I can speak for many that your videos to promote QRP and field ops are the best by far. Can you give us some more info about the G90 field set-up shown in this video, the battery pack you're using with the Powerfilm, the display/keyboard, and what was the Molle case you are using with the G90. A sincere thanks for always being so clear, concise and informative.
I think you are too kind. That's videos incoming.
I'm about to get my General ticket to do off-grid HF comms. Your videos have not only being entertaining but have led me the entire way for deciding just about every part of the equipment, software, accessories and antennas. Great job OH8STN, much appreciated!
You've just made my day Andy. :-)
Thank you for this. I have been using a G90 for a while now, it's my first HF rig. I have been able to get digital modes working, but was having issues with the cat cable disconnecting I'm guessing from stray rf. I never considered VOX, but after giving it a try I was able to make more digital contacts in one night than the entire time I've had my radio.
Yes that's why I prefer Vox with this radio. The cat control cable that comes with the G90 could really be improved. Thankfully the Vox is there.
I kept my IC 7200 for basically this same purpose and for portable-camp ops. But, I do like the looks of the unit in your presentation.
I'm always impressed with your thought process related to the overall system, not just the individual items. You see the big picture !
Thanks for saying this. Yeah the big picture has to be taken into account, or we ultimately fail to create an easy to use "integrated system", for power and Communications. It's not always easy, but it does give us a direction to shoot for, when we're designing the system we want to field. Anyway thanks for the awesome comment and feedback. It's very much appreciated.
Noone does high quality videos like you Julian! It's all in the details and you cover them perfectly! Thanks and 73 de KE2YK
Thanks Gary. I wish I could improve my voice over audio. Until them, I won't be happy.
thanks for the kindness.
Julian
I finally setup the G90 with the CE-19 with help from this video. I wasn’t expecting VOX to work so easily.
I got FT8 and WSPR spots on 5w, mag loop inside the house for testing. Thank you very much.
Your reviews and operating tips are ALWAYS appreciated. My own G90 is en route and am looking forward to operating portable. My choosing this radio was close to your reason. I have a QRO radio and a QRP set. This is something in the middle, the extra power will help with SOTA activations and Parks on the Air both of which I enjoy when its not 40 C here on the east coast of VA. -73- and thank you for the investment in time.
Well. As a new owner of the g 90 i must say thankyou for this video. You cleared up a lot of questions i haf about dig. Modes and i find your explanations to be something i can actually comprehend.keep up the good work and once again thanks
Such a useful video. It would be wonderful if you could spare the time to make an updated version still using the Xiegu G90 and Raspberry Pi but with the XGGComms Digimode-4 interface, especially now that G90 can be configured in Flrig. Thanks for such valuable material.
Thank you! I just purchased a G90 to experiment with HF digital modes. I really appreciate it! 73, KH6HOU
I have two Xiegu's the G90 and the G1M that I use with JS8call.
I suggest that you turn off polling of all the commands which the G90 does not share with the IC7100. If you look at the debug log, you'll see a ton of time out errors.
Also, I've been watching FT8 people talk and they say to use split mode in "fake it". I'm not I understand complete, but I suppose it's more linear. For that you'll need the CAT.
I use the EasyDigi isolation board for the G1M and DigiRig for G90.
I'm confused about ALC. I'm glad you mentioned it to be inverted from normal.
Awesome, getting my radio on Wednesday and my general ticket on Thurs. Thanks!
Congratulations. You'll have a blast with this radio. If you've had other radios like Yaesu, ... it takes a quick minute to get used to. Once you do though, especially learning to operate the filters, you'll have a blast with it
Congrats ! Enjoy !!
@@OH8STN Thanks! Yeah, it was actually a tough decision between the ic-7300 and this, but my interests (at the moment) are QRP, SOTA, and off-grid, so having the extra 15 watts hopefully will help me make some QSOs, while saving some money compared to the elecraft (for QRP) or icom (shack radio)
@@ChiefMiddleFinger Thanks! Can't wait.
Really useful video. I used this info and my first FT8 contact on my G90 was a station 1200+ km away in Italy. FLRig seems more stable for me than OmniRig 2. Thank you.
Nice work, Julian. Much appreciated.
Thank you Donald. Very much appreciated.
Thank you Julian from KI5SOH!! I have the Xiegu G90, the CE-19 thingie and I cobbled together the three 3.5mm jacks with bare ends into a "AF-CON" cable that plugs directly into the 3.5mm headphone jack and the 3.5mm microphone jack on my laptop running Linux Ubuntu 20.04. I had to upgrade from Ubuntu 18.04 to 20.04 in order to install WSJT-X 2.5.4.
By adjusting the Microphone level in Ubuntu upper right control bar, I can get the input level just right and get this beautiful water fall display and stations are just pouring into the list of "Band Activity".
In WSJT-X, I have the radio set to "none" and the PTT method is "VOX". I have the radio set to VOX and set the input and output audio levels as you explained in the tutorial. I also set the input from "mike" to "line".
BUT, when I click on "TUNE" button on WSJT-X, the CPU usage goes to 100% and the waterfall display stops. I click on "Exit" and it appears to exit, but when I check in a terminal via the "top" command, it is still there hogging 100% CPU. So I have to kill the process "wsjtx" to stop it.
Just to check for audio output from the laptop, I put my earbuds in the headphone port and did not hear anything when I clicked on "TUNE". Likewise, the G90 did not respond in any way to "TUNE" as expected since WSJT-X crashes before any audio comes out.
Any hints?!
Thanks! Zac
Thanks very much for this, I have a G90 in it's packaging waiting for me to open it and get started, so your video information will be very useful.
ZLP out of stock but ended up getting a Tigertronics to keep it clean based on your experience. Thank you for the tips!
After some consideration I tried to order a MiniProSC but alas, they are not shipping to the states at the moment.
Again video is much valued!
That's a real bummer. It's a good audio interface. Hopefully it's possible to get one when the restrictions are lifted. Anyway, sorry to hear about it.
Thanks for this great video...I just ordered a G90 today and I was worry as to how to interface it with digital!!!
Another GREAT video Julian. I was so glad to see your interface methods to the G90 for data modes. Just wish there was a way to interface without the ZLP-size box. But I understand that without an internal digital audio card in the G90, it has to exist outside. With the delays of the IC-705, I may consider purchasing a G90 or mcHF just so I can have a small portable digital station. Thanks again for such informative videos. 73, Terry W4ZQ
Very cool! Just got my G90 and this will be very helpful.
Much appreciated. Even with some of the quirks, I still think it's a fun radio. Enjoy and please let us know how it works out for you.
73
Julian oh8stn
Thank you Julian for explaining the setup. Once again, another outstanding video! 73!
Sorry I missed the premier chat.
Looks good.
73
Thanks for the video. I didn't get the CE-19 since I had a Sabrent USB sound card dongle, a M/M 3.5mm plug audio cable, a clamp-on ferrite choke and a couple capacitors. Just purchased the 8 pin mini-DIN plug. Just got to sit down long enough to put it all together with solder and heat shrink tubing.
I also run with a sabrent USB card. The CE19 really makes no sense for only digital modes. All the pins are on the din socket.
Ecellent video, lots of good info. For man portable digital operations the X90 looks like a winner. The cost is perhaps the most attractive feature, but all things considered it really holds its own compared to more expensive rigs.
Best Xiegu G90 video on CZcams. Helped me with mine!
I have been drooling over this radio since your first video. I pulled the trigger this morning. When comparing the G90 and the Icom 705, what do you prefer?
Hi Julian. Excellent video, once again.
I received my G90 yesterday and are struggling to get it to work on the ACC connector connected to a SignaLink USB sound card.
I've got the Xiegu CE-19 Expansion bord, but like you said, no use going portable with so many cables. I cut the 8-pin mini DIN cable that came with the CE-19 to make my own SignaLink to G90 ACC port cable.
- Signalink SPK to G90 ACC pin 4
- Signalink MIC to G90 ACC pin 5
- Signalink PTT to G90 ACC pin 2 (if not using VOX on G90)
- Signalink G to G90 ACC pin 7
Issue 1 - PTT/TX does not trigger on G90. Not on VOX mode (line input selected) and not via die Signalink PPT as explained above.
Issue 2 - When doing the PTT on the remote myself to avoid Issue #1 above, the ALC stays on 0 on the G90. Seems like no audio in is reaching the G90. I did play around with all levels on the Signalink and G90 to test. Wiring headphones to the SignaLink MIC & G pins, does give me audio, so no issue on the SignaLink side it seems.
In a nutshell, I can RX, but not TX digitally.
Hopefully someone can point me in the right direction.
Riaan ZS6MAN
Make sure you have "Line" selected on the G90, rather than MIC. Make sure you have selected mono for the input and outputs in your data mode app, audio interface setup. Also the signalink requires a special jumper, so you may need to reach out to their support for that. Lots of signalinks in use with this radio, so it should be possible to get it working.
@@OH8STN Thanks for the reply. My problem was actually much simpler than that. I had the 8-pin DIN pinout on my cable wrong. Looked at the female schematic (numbered bottom left to top right) when it's actually a male connector (numbered bottom right to top left). Feeling stupid, but got everything working, thanks!
Actually this is an excellent post and I hope you won't delete it. I would never have imagined that would have been the problem. So hopefully, if you leave this comment here others will make use of it. I'm really happy you figured it out. 👍👍👍
I like the to the point, no nonsense video.
Rationale well explained.
Thank you 🙏
Xiegu G90 is soo.. lovley radio for digital emisions and other best thigs...
Just checking out some Raspberry Pi for beginner videos and so I can get up to speed...😎🤙🏾73great vid
I have one of these radios and the CE-19 interface on the way.
Your videos have been very informative. Thanks!
73 de N2NLQ
Brilliant video, full of useful and very helpful information, I learnt a lot about the G90. Very many thanks 73
I am only getting 7-10w out, followed your settings, swr is 1.2. MIniProSC here as well. ALC is at 99. Using Fldigi on Contestia 4/250. With JS8Call looks like what you are getting.
Edit. Sound volume on laptop. Solved it...lol. Great videos, Julian!
Been rewatching this to setup my G90 for digital. I have yet to make up the cables for connecting the audio from my laptop to my G90. Was hoping for info on the wiring of the audio cables.
That is about where I am as well♡♡♡
Top information ..run vt ..:-)cant wait to get one .. thanks for keeping me up to speed on something I know nothing about until I started watching your videos very informative easy to understand great work brother keep it up see you on the airwaves soon
You make me want one🤤👍🏽 great presentation
Thanks for this. Just hoping to provide enough information for people to make an informed choice.
Thanks for the awesome comment.
As of my download today, 10-18-2023, flrig now includes the G90.
Great video. Do you find the PTT is slow to respond when using WSJT-X and FT8? I have the CE-19 but I've not used it yet with my Xiegu radios, but some friends told me it didn't work very well due to transmit lag between the software and the radio. Perhaps the VOX setting that you described will solve this...
From my testing, I discovered the ptt lag is caused by using the wrong radio in Hamlib or flrig. I had a very similar problem initially. When I switched over to the Icom IC 7100 or 756 Pro oh, I didn't have this lag anymore. Your second point is also correct. I use the Box because it's faster, and more reliable if your levels are set up correctly.
@@OH8STN Thanks for the reply. I have not used FLRIG before, but I saw your demonstration, so I will give that app a try also. 73
Thanks for this video!
After looking closely at what it is, I don't want to use that CE-19 adapter. I appreciate it, but mostly for the parts that kit gives you which frankly, I could have sourced elsewhere.
I want to have it all with one USB cable, so right now I'm cobbling together a USB hub to plug the USB sound device and G90 data cable into so I also have a CAT control option.
My plan is to strip all of the connectors and cases from the devices, direct-wiring all of the components to minimize the size and build it all into a compact adapter that can live in the "luggable" case system (go box?) that I've built for my G90.
One box with USB, DIN and 3.5mm connector cables to rule them all...
I have a low power/high run time PC that should be fine for digital modes, but it only has 2 USB ports and I don't want to use them both.
I have the hub and sound device stripped and wired, but have been dragging my feet on stripping the Xiegu adapter and finishing the wiring.
An Altoids tin was my first choice of enclosures, but I'm staying open to alternatives...
73 de N2NLQ
Actually I think this is a brilliant idea. If you could fit the cat control audio adapter and hub inside an avoids tin, you could have two short wires coming out to the radio, and one USB cable going to your laptop or tablet. I'll probably do this myself but I have so many little projects yet undone oh, I don't know when I'm going to get to it.
@@OH8STN Thank you. You honor me.
I'm staying open to other enclosures simply because the Altoids tin is a bit too large for the purpose when I test-fit the components. I have a feeling that the solution is closer than I think it is, and will share when I find it. I know I can get help with a printed enclosure, but I enjoy the challenge and reward of re-purposing stuff.
@@OH8STN I finally got around to finishing up the wiring on my adapter.
I just need to re-watch your video and try it out!
@@OH8STN My adapter is complete and quite successful!
I used your video to perform the setup and made several contacts right away!
Now that's absolutely outstanding news. I'm glad the video was helpful for you. If it's not too much to ask, please share it.
73
Julian oh8stn
Thanks for the video!
Great info. Thanks! Subscribed.
Did you make the cable or is it something I can buy?
How do you wire the 3.5mm jacks together to go with the external sound card
outstanding video... I am new to the hobby... the G90 is one of 2 HF rigs that i have but the G90 I am developing into portable station.... currently working on completing my Pi4 and ..... getting my general...... I am working backwards
Thanks Julian for all your excellent work.
I am really enjoying my XG90 these days 😊
73 Rob G3RCE
Great video, really helpful!
Will you do an updated video with the DE-19 expansion card?
Brilliant tutorial, thankyou.
Thanks for sharing your knowledge Julian. I just ordered the MiniproSC and the cable for the Xiegu G90. Is the short cable you have in the video the same one I will recieve or is your cable a custom shorty? I would really hope it's a short cable like yours, but if yours is custom, can you share the source? Thanks!
great Video presently i play whit the Idea to order an XIEGU G90 for anny portable activitys, it is DG1RUG
Great video Julian! What is the bag you have your G90 in at the 17:50 mark?
Thanks for the kindness. It was the Maxpedition large water bottle Molle compatible pouch. I added a piece of Plexi to protect the screen and some panning around the inner wall, to protect the radio. Works like a champ.
Great video but I need help with the CE-19, can you talk/show how you soldered up the jack plugs, which colour goes where sort of thing? I don't want to mess things up by soldering the wrong colour to the wrong plug section. Many thanks and keep safe
if you use the CE-19, one method to connect your PC's sound card with two jack (mic/spkr) is to build a 'Y' cable using the bare-end stereo cables included with the interface. The cable consists of leads from your computer's soundcard spkr and mic jack to a single AFCON 3-pole (stereo) 3.5 plug into the CE-19; take two bare end leads and wire the GND leads together, then solder to the GND on the bare 3-pole plug included with the CE-19 going into the AFCON port; then wire the spk leads together from one cable, and solder them to the tip of the stereo plug; finally, wire the mic leads together, then solder them
to the ring of the stereo plug - that's all there is to it... another method is to use a USB sound card dongle with a single jack - you can then simply run a 3.5mm stereo (3 pole) patch cable from the dongle's jack into the AFCON port on the CE-19 - no soldering!
I went straight with the diagram in the user manual.
@@OH8STN don't even need the user manual, as the AFCON pinout is printed on the PCB's cover!
Excuse my ignorance on this, but how do I figure out which wire is which? Do I have to get a multimeter and basically mirror the AFCON diagram on the on both ends? i.e. AF OUT on the tip of the jack and mirror that on the other end? - Also, I'm assuming this approach assumes you have a line-in port that support microphone input and audio output (much like a pair of headphones with an in-line mic) ??
Excelente video !! 73" dx
Thank you Sergio
A lot of computer operations taken for granted here. Particularly the audio input/output selections.
Context
Thanks for sharing !
Thank you for the video! I am fairly new to amateur radio and very new to HF. I bought the G90 as my first HF rig. I bought the CE-19 too. Quick question, how did you wire the audio input/output to make it a splitter cable?
You make a big point that the CE19 requires more cables than the MiniProSc. Granted, the length of the cables provided with the CE19 are much longer out of the box than the custom cable you show with the MiniProSc but that can be significantly reduced when making the cable.
The total number of cables is the same. One from the radio to the CE19 or MiniProSc and one cable from the CE19 to the inputs on the computer audio input/output or USB sound card and one from the MiniProSc to the computer USB. Basically there is one in/one out either way.
I am confused as to what role the cable used for programming plays. Does it replace the CE19 or MiniProSc or is it used in conjunction? If used in conjunction the, how does it enhance operation. Obviously you can operate without it.
Honestly the Ce19 is trash unless it's used to interface the rig with an amplifier or something. Take a look at my blog on this topic.
oh8stn.org/blog/2020/12/14/xiegu-g90-winlink-express/
Julian, I really like your videos. How do you handle, or should I say what program do you use for logging your qsos. For my Xeigu when I am not at home, I use N1MM, for logging and rig control. I have repeatedly tried to download FLRIG, but my Windows computer doesn't seem to want me to download it from W1HKJ. I have tried numerous times, but to no avail. N1MM for CW and non-digital qsos works just fine but won't support any of the digital modes. At the home station, I use HRD - no problem, just don't use Xeigu, but in some instances like 60mtrs and 80mtrs, the Xeigu's tuner can handle my two wire antennas, better than my LDG tuner. Also, HRD does not support the Xeigu for now, hope eventually that will change - so use N1MM for uploading qsos to eQsl. Your reply is appreciated. Kevin, KD8IE.
Thanks!
Great! Thanks for this! BTW what antenna were you using clamped to the bench?
Thanks using FT8 getting long distance on your settings alc 100
As so many others have said,...great and INFORMATIVE video. Curious toward the end, I can't quite make out what antenna you're using. What is it??
Its a hybrid. Chameleon UCM base, 2x Super Antenna ER1 extensions, Super Antenna MP1, and Chameleon MIL whip up top. It's a near lossless 1/4 wave vertical in this configuration.
@@OH8STN Back to the radio itself,...so if I were waffling back/forth about a rig for portable digital ops, and looking at pros/cons of G90 vs FT-891, tell me if I've got it right: while their physical layouts are different, (G90 is "long"), their basic footprint would be about the same; G90 has built in tuner, but FT-891 is 100w; both require an external soundcard. If I've got all of that correct, then it seems like a lot of the question boils down to what I would use for an antenna, as antennas that are resonate on the frequencies I want to work would mean no need for a tuner. Correct? Thanks!!
I'm not sure if that's the way to look at it or not, it might be though. Actually 100 Watts or an antenna tuner. That's really what it boils down to. The next most important aspect is 1 amp or 600 milliamps RX current. I can stay a heck of a lot longer out in the field if I only need to generate 600 milliamps as opposed to an amp. Big difference there. Finally, if ergonomics are important to you, I'd be taking a really hard long look at the 891, which has excellent filter manipulation.
@@OH8STN This is all VERY helpful. I hear what you're saying about 600 ma vs 1amp... If I were doing excursions like yours, staying out for days at a time etc., that would really be important. But my excursions tend to be no more than 1/2 day. Again, this is *extremely* helpful information. Thanks!
Another good video. Did you have to add your user to the dialout group in Linux? That has been a pesky security feature dating back to modem control to keep the phone bills down. If I missed it just tel me. I always appreciate your videos. I hope to go portable next summer. First I am working on the shack at the qth
If you're not fussed about 2m/70cm would u buy the G90 over the FT-817/818?
In some circumstances yes. If I wanted more than five or six Watts out of the eight one seven or eight one eight, I would definitely go for the g90. Don't get me wrong though, I've enjoyed the eight one seven and eight one eight since it first came to the market about 20 years ago. Sometimes however if I want a little bit more power, I don't want to carry an antenna tuner, and I don't want to add a single mechanical filter to the radio, I could have a cheaper radio with all those things built in already, at the expense of VHF and UHF. It's a tough question but if you look it purely in terms of technical requirements, it's an easy choice.
@@OH8STN I'm limited to 10W here in Australia as I only have a foundation licence. Not too worried about more power as I'm more interested in efficient lower power modes anyway but all the other features and the fact the G90 is about 75% of the new cost of an 818 is very enticing. I have 2m/70cm Mobile unit in my shack and HT's so would only be missing SSB uhf/vhf. Thanks for amazingly quick response by the way. Cheers VK3FABY
I happened to be sitting here having a coffee when your comment came in. To be completely honest with you the 6 wants of the 818, is tough. Despite what many people will say, there is a difference between 5 watts in 10 watts. Especially when we're talking about ultra-narrow data modes or CW. The difference is not so apparent with wide bands like winlink or SSB. So if you're not fussed as you said about VHF UHF, definitely go with the g90. You also have to remember with the ft-818 an antenna tuner, and the internal mechanical filter are not included.
@@OH8STN Awesome, thank you for the advice. The G90 sounds like a bit of a no brainer for my particular circumstances/interests. Hope you enjoyed your coffee!
Thanks for your super detailed video which is a great help. Can you tell me how many % or dB you set your sound card level to please?
NICE WORK
🤜🏻👍🤛🏻♡♡♡
Julian - Have you tried hooking up the G90 to the DRAWS board via one of the mini din connectors on the DRAWS board yet?
Not yet. I don't have the newest draws hat but in principal, It should only be a matter of making the cable.
@@OH8STN If you still have the old version I would be interested in what you think and if you have any configuration tips with it . I have one from their first run.
Thanks for these great videos. I have followed this to the letter and yet I am still unable to key the G90 using VOX only. It works fine with CAT. All settings are as you suggest when I try VOX. I am guessing it may be the USB sound device I'm using. Right now I'm stuck with the CE-19 but I am awaiting an XGGComms cable. Hopefully that cable with its built in sound card will get me over the top. It's been somewhat frustrating to date as I have some type of problem, probably stray RF, that's keeping me from running FT8 on 20m. At about 11 seconds the CAT gets disconnected. Reducing power does not help. I have no need to run CAT seeing how the radio is right in front of me, so hope to find a solution. Thanks for your clear and concise instructions! Scott/KC1UA
Thanks for the great videos on the G90. You inspired me to try FT8 and the other digital modes. Maybe you can point me in the right direction. I bought a G90 and the MiniProSC that you used here. I'm using a Windows 10 laptop. But, for the life of me, I cannot get WSJT-X to work. Is there a step by step out there that I can use to configure WSJT-X with my Windows laptop to work with this specific set up? Thanks, Julian. 73 from W5DUI.
Our group wants to find the simplest system to use only JS8CALL for E-Comms within 100 mile radius on 80m NVIS for mountainous terrain. Our goal is a simple system new HAMs can use. As close to plug and play as possible and low cost single purpose system. Is this a good transceiver to build around. Suggestions?
The g90 is not the most perfect radio, but it's a solid performer.
What you're asking is relatively easy with a g90. A resonant horizontal wire antenna 1/8 to 1/4 wavelength above ground on 80m. The antenna can be loaded to shorten it up. 1/2 waveldngth dipole with wire reflector underneath.
I would suggest using 40 meters during the day and 80 meters at night, which usually works well. You can use relatively low power as well. I've demonstrated this using anywhere from 1 to 10 watts. 15-20 watts is ideal.
Excellent question and very welcomed.
czcams.com/video/F0TkJJIsY3o/video.html
OH8STN Ham Radio: Thank you for the quick reply. We’re planning to build a compete turn key system for new/non-HAMs to use JS8CALL for E-Comm. Target cost for the entire system: PC/Tablet, Transceiver, interface, power, antenna, & cables is $500.
W3HU
How are you setting up your filters in the G90 for digital work ?
After watching this a couple of times it looks like I have two options , the Ce-19 or the digimaster. Correct ? If I choose the digimaster option , what cable do I select ? Icom 7100 or Icom 8 acc. Awesome video btw
ZLP promised to add the G90 cable to his website. I simply sent him an email before I place the order, told him which radio to wire it up for, and he delivered that cable. If you want to use the mini pro SC, just shoot him an email. I used that audio interface because I have several of them around the shack. There are other audio interface options though. The other option is also using the CE19.
OH8STN Ham Radio I just found a 8 pin cable to twin stereo headphone jacks that they say is for ft8 on the G90’s would this work with another USB sound card ,instead of the digimaster or ec-19 ? The problem is the ec-19 is not available on this side of the ocean and the digi master is 4 x the amount of the ce-19 .
You could make that cable yourself. You only need the audio in audio out and ground. Use the Vox for PTT. Anyway the cable you're talkin about sounds like it would work with any USB sound card. If you try and let us know how it goes.
OH8STN Ham Radio Will do , appreciate the help.
Ended up getting a ec-19 cheap and ordered the USB sound card you featured in the video. One question the cable you showed in the video , the single to dual did that come with the ec-19 and if not what was the pin out for it ?
Hi, I want to know how you connected the wires from the 3 jacks from xiegu ce-19 because I also have xiegu g 90.
You won't find it here, this is bait and switch.
Would it be possible to add to this video using the Xggcomms Digimode 4?
I'm already working on it for the g90 and the x5105 :-) excellent comment and suggestion.
73
Julian oh8stn
@@OH8STN I would like to see a video on the Digimode 4 too.
Thanks for your kind replies. Your constructed cable from the CE-19 to the computer sound card has two 3.5 mm plugs but the CE-19 only has one AF jack. If I use separate cables where does the second cable connect to the CE-19 ?
How would you setup the G90 for hf aprs with an opentracker
You did not explain line input filter. Many station uses 240 Hz tone (for example) for FT8, but that does not pass through transmitter. Simply 0 watts out.
Outstanding review! I'm trying to decide between the X5150 and the G90. I am most interested in portability but also the ability to interface with a laptop. Any comments regarding that capability with respect to the X5150? KI5KET
They are identical in regards to interfacing. I use the same audio interface for both radios, when using js8call, winlink, ft8, ...
What is that great radio pack and case for the G90?
Hi Julian, thanks for this video. Somewhat of a newbie here. Question: Could I use Ham Radio Deluxe for cat control in this scenario if I wanted to? thanks!
If you're using a Windows machine, why not.
Could you elaborate a bit more on why you prefer non-cat control of the rig? (Is it a preference that applies generally, or just to this radio?) I have an ic-7100 and I love the ability to have one wire (single USB) to get audio AND cat control AND gps data to a pi, and this arrangement has proven very reliable and convenient. It seems like some of the newer ALE modes would require cat control, wouldn’t they?
Excellent question. It's only about the g90. There's two reasons really. When operating portable, I don't want that silly cat control cable coming out of the side of the head unit on the radio. It's easy to break it off. Secondly, operating data modes primarily, I'm usually sitting on the frequency and not hopping around all the time. So usually I change bands, not frequency. Finally, cat control for the G90 isn't implemented in hamlib or FLRig, it's a hack at the moment. So I prefer simply not to bother. On the flip side, if I were using a 7300, 7200, mcHF, or any radio which has a single wire interface or data and Cat control, I would definitely be using the cat control all the time.
Again excellent question 👍
I noticed that you are using the usb port on the side of the pi to give it power, but in earlier videos you describe using a buck converter exiting the rear of the pi for the sake of cable management, as well as using a sabrent sound card instead of the ZLP. Any reason for going back to the ZLP and usb port for powering the pi? Thanks and take care.
Sometimes when I'm making videos I have different raspberry pies that I use, different laptops that I use oh, so I just used what's easiest for me at that moment. Your question reminds me about continuity and how important it is. I do have different configurations but generally when I'm out in the field for real, I'm usually doing it the way which allows the most freedom and easiest configuration.
Great video. I followed all your recommendations for set up, and have run into a problem. With the CAT cable and mini din connected with the CE19; running flrig and wsjtx/js8, the radio will is connecting and initializing. Then when I send a message or a heartbeat it does not xmit. I get 0 w on the meter. I can xmit 20w no problem with phone, but nothing on digital. HELP!! was able to get a few signals a couple of day ago but today nada.
Select the function button with one press, then press power button until you see input. Select LINE rather than MIC. For data modes line must be selected.
Thanks. Line is selected, followed all your set up steps. Not sure why it will not xmit. Any other ideas? Thanks. Larry KO4OPE
Have you chosen the correct audio output in wsjt-x or js8?
Great Video! could you share what zipper pouch you are using for the G90 shown at 17.53? it looks perfect for my G90 field use. thanks!
Thx 👍👍👍
It's a condor large admin utility pouch
Well with a digirig I am now sending emails from a TM-733a. Looking at the G90
Nice job Julian! I followed this video and got a MiniProSC and connected it to the G90 and ran WSJT-X on the Raspberry Pi 4. I initially set the line audio as suggested, but, noticed that even when I had the Pwr slider on WSJT-X at max I could only see about 4 watts into a dummy load at a 20 watt setting on the G90. Another odd thing was no matter where the Pwr slider was Min to Max, the G90 always showed 100 ALC. I then changed Aux In volume to 15 and the power out went up only to about 11 watts. That is as high as I can get the output to go. It is acting like I just can't get enough audio to drive the G90 (even though the alc always stays at 100 no matter where the settings are at). Would love others thoughts on this. :)
Is there a way to adjust the gain of the MiniProSC?
tnx, 73, phil KF6IF
How many db is "extremely low"?
I decode -17 regularly, sometimes even -20 with my radios and the cheap USB
Yeah with the zlp I can decode - 25/ -26 regularly. I have decoded -23 with the cheap USB sound card, but usually need to apply slightly tighter filters 2 work stations that low.
@@OH8STN excellent, I've never tried any filters before. Something I'll have to learn about.
Definitely do so. The filters are the best feature of this radio
@@OH8STN Can the G90 filters be centered over the center of your digital signal (1000 on water fall, for example), and use the bandwidth filter to just be wide enough for your selected mide?
Yes. Filters can be adjusted for width and position.
I'm trying to set up WSJT-X on a Pi 3B that is running the 7-inch touch display, but I can't seem to re-size the application screen. Is there a fix for this?
The display is 1024x700 resolution.
1024 by 700 should be plenty for wsjt-x. First make sure your Raspberry Pi is outputting 1024 by 700 or as close to it as it can. If that doesn't work you'll have to resize the fonts in wsjt-x itself, while the app is maximized. Give that a try.
Got my G90 working with HDSDR software on computer, but the question is do you need two antennas or just one and the panadaptor just takes whats on radio screen to computer screen.
Tnxs for video just got a new desktop and it doesn't show any comports. Running windows 10. Really give up and ideas. Could use some help. Would like to get G90 but until I get windows 10 to show comports
Could you please run through the making of the splitter cable that plugs AF CON to audio in and out. I want to make sure I am wiring it correctly
He won't. Nobody will, it doesn't work. I've been trying to get the CE-19 audio to work for days, cat control works but it outputs 0.0 watts. 🙄
I'm pretty clueless on RaspberryPi, but I'm wondering why you have a RPi and a laptop on the picnic table? Why do you need a RPi if you have a laptop?
Gregory look closer. Notice there aren't any wires between my tablet on the picnic table and tablet. For all the incredible things for radios can do, they are still pretty stupid. By integrating the Raspberry Pi with the radio directly, the radio becomes a sort of server. Then we can connect with any device a laptop, tablet, mobile phone, to run data modes on the radio. This is all done wirelessly. When I'm in the field station, I like to set up my radio and its own spot, then relax some place in the tent or perhaps outside the tent enjoying the Sun, using my tablet to connect wirelessly with my radio. That's the point. Does that make sense?
@@OH8STN How do you controll RPI through your laptop? Teamviewer or something? And im guessing its run through Wifi and not bluetooth? :)
Skip to 11:05 in this video czcams.com/video/bD7McGV21jQ/video.html
How do I connect my Samsung tablet to the G90 for psk31? I dont have a big usb port, just the micro usb. Thankyou.
It really depends on the tablet hardware. If you have a micro USB with OTG enabled on your tablet, you will need audio interface between the radio and the tablet. It can be an audio only interface, since cats control is rarely used on Android. Check xggcomms.com
I've got a video incoming, exactly on this topic.
Thankyou, am a subscrber and will definitely watch that video.
How did you setup thw watt meter on the XG90 to show up,i can get the ALC to show but no watt's Thank's
Short press of the power button